New Delhi [India], April 11 (ANI): The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday highlighted the global attention drawn by the Legislative Assembly elections in Kerala, Puducherry, and Assam, with 38 international delegates from 22 countries witnessing firsthand the scale, precision, and vibrancy of India’s electoral process as part of the Election Commission of India’s International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026.
According to the ECI, delegates described the experience as “a true festival of democracy,” praising the scale, planning, and enthusiastic voter participation across polling stations.
“Indian voting—this is a true festival of democracy for the whole world. What is overwhelming for me is the enthusiasm of people to vote. We can only learn from this process. It’s a huge process and done right,” said Croatian delegate Branimir Farkas.
During their two-day visit from April 8 to 9, delegates observed dispatch and distribution centers, where polling teams and materials were mobilized through structured logistics and standard operating procedures. They also interacted with Chief Electoral Officers and police officials to understand election management and security arrangements.
Highlighting India’s electoral framework as a global benchmark, Mexican delegate Uuc-Kib Espadas Ancona said, “The process of election in India is certainly a place to learn.”
On polling day, the delegates witnessed mock polls and later visited polling stations in Kamrup districts (Kamrup Metro and Kamrup Rural) of Assam, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, and various locations in Puducherry to observe live voting.
They particularly appreciated the inclusive features at polling stations, including ramps, wheelchairs, volunteers, and crèche facilities, along with special booths managed by women and persons with disabilities. “Inclusivity of the highest order,” remarked Kenyan delegate Fahima Araphat Abdallah.
“We are very impressed with how the polling stations have been organized. The facilities have been prepared very well, including wheelchairs and crèche facilities,” said Namibian delegate Paulus Shigwedha.
According to the ECI, delegates also visited media monitoring centers and observed the use of 100 percent webcasting to ensure transparency. Many participated in plantation drives at polling stations, highlighting India’s push toward eco-friendly election practices.
Praising the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Sierra Leone delegate Abubakarr Mahmoud Koroma said, “One of the great things about India is the use of EVMs. Some of the things that we have learned we will be able to take home and see how we could implement. It’s like a festival—this should be the spirit.”
In Puducherry, delegates noted enhanced vigilance measures such as flying squads, drone-based monitoring, and innovative initiatives like the welcoming robot “Nila.”
In Kerala, they visited a Gen Z-themed polling booth and appreciated the enthusiasm of first-time voters, while in Kamrup (Rural), Assam, delegates also availed themselves of health checkup facilities at polling stations, according to the ECI.
The ECI stated that the seamless conduct of polling and high voter turnout left a strong impression on the visiting teams. They expressed gratitude to the Election Commission of India for the opportunity to witness the scale and effectiveness of election management and commended its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and excellence.
“While the world watches to learn, India continues to set benchmarks in conducting elections at an unparalleled scale—truly a festival of democracy,” the commission said.
According to the ECI, the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) is a flagship initiative aimed at fostering international cooperation and engagement with election management bodies and international organizations. The program provides a comprehensive overview of India’s electoral framework, institutional mechanisms, and operational architecture, while familiarizing delegates with best practices and innovations in election management. (ANI)
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